Anyone who owns a Sony Alpha series camera such as the a7S is well aware of the shortcomings when it comes to battery life. In a move that you could say is better late than never, Sony have announced the NPA-MQZ1K Multi Battery Adapter Kit that works with with cameras that accept NP-FZ100 series or NP-FW50 series batteries. The adapter is able to supply power from up to four NP-FZ100 series battery packs to extend shooting times.

How does it work?

The battery adapter works by using a dummy battery that is then attached to the power supply, which in turn can be run off batteries or via mains power. The size makes the NPA-MQZ1K a bit clunky to use when you compare it to the size of the cameras it is compatible with. It’s hardly a ergonomic solution, but it will get the job done.

It’s also a charger

It can also doubles as rapid charger, with a charging rate of 480 minutes for four batteries. Users can convert the adapter into a more compact two-battery adapter for a more travel-ready kit.

Can you mount it to your camera?

It also is equipped with a three-level LED indicator light for checking charge status along with six 1/4″-20 mounting sockets for mounting to various support systems. Additionally, it comes with NP-FZ100 battery packs to help users get started.

The NPA-MQZ1K can charge other devices as well via its two USB ports and there are on-board switches to choose how to route the DC power.

NPA-MQZ1K: It’s a bit on the pricey side

Even though the NPA-MQZ1K comes with two NP-FZ100 battery packs, at $399.99 US it is definitely on the expensive side considering you can use cheap and readily available USB power banks by plugging them into the camera’s micro USB port.

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http://www.instagr.am/dkovie Damodara Kovie [dkovie]

This product *is* a bit pricey, but without the two batteries, it would clock in at ~ $240.00.

Consider the alternative; a Sony AC adapter for FW50 cameras + four single-battery FZ series chargers together costs ~ $400. To replicate the functionality of this product, you’d also have to spend another $180 for two batteries, bringing the total to ~ $560 for a much bulkier set of kit with none of the advantages of this combined product.

Advantages, you ask? Well, you could use an AC adapter for long recording sessions, but what happens if your power source gets cut off, or the cord gets yanked out of the socket? With this AC adapter one would simply switch to battery power. Others would knock your camera out of commission.

As well, you have the advantage of two USB ports for charging / powering anything you like; more cameras, your phone, an audio recorder, etc.

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